Casts From the Past V

Casts From the Past is a recurring retrospective of select Palladio GFRG projects.

An unfinished plaster ornament sits beside the drawing from which it was copied.

Whether it was made thousands of years ago, or yesterday when we began this new ornament, every plaster piece begins with an idea, freshly set material, and a hand holding a tool.

The initial pattern for a medallion of a 20 foot dome lies on a work table awaiting completion.

Our 20 foot dome’s design will lead the observer’s eye to this medallion at its center. Here’s an early look at the pattern that we used.

The ornament from above now has more definition and is close to being completed.

Time disappears when you focus on a single goal and nothing – even swapping out tools – breaks your flow. This unfinished piece, composed of a palmette, acanthus, and a rosette, only required the single instrument in the foreground.

A master plasterer applies clay to an 8 foot column in preparation for creating a mould.

Here our master plasterer originally accredited in England is midway through the construction of a case that will allow us to recreate a column for a historic theater in New York City. The case creates a cavity into which the silicone is poured, allowing the mold to remain thin and flexible enough to peel off the casting.

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Casts From the Past IV